DUNNVILLE—September 30 started as a normal day for Brantford resident Kyle Rowe, formerly of Dunnville. He spent the day at work at Ferrero Canada, where he’s a forklift operator. His only complaint when he got home was blurriness in his eye. He planned to go to the walk-in clinic the next morning if the problem persisted.
Everything changed that evening when Kyle’s wife, Amber Meunier, heard something in the bedroom; she went to look and found her 38-year-old husband on the floor. He was taken to Brantford General Hospital and then transferred to University Hospital in London. He had suffered a massive stroke.
Amber’s sister, Kira Meunier (partner of Mike Renzella of The Haldimand Press), says that the stroke was “completely unexpected”. The only indication that something might be wrong was the blurry eye, but she says, “Being 38, you just think it’s something you can get checked out.”
By October 9, Kyle remained at University Hospital but was no longer under sedation. He has since been transfered to the stroke unit at Brantford General.
According to Meunier, he was waking up for short periods of time and was able to nod his head in response to questions. She says, “They continually do assessments to see what he is able to do.”
In the days following the stroke, Meunier and Renzella discussed doing a GoFundMe campaign to support Kyle, Amber, and their four-year-old son, Harrison. The couple is expecting their second child in November.
Learning that Kyle’s sister, Lisa Davis, had been thinking about a fundraiser as well to support the growing family, Meunier launched the GoFundMe.
“With Amber being on maternity leave and Kyle not working, even with benefits it will be less than normal income,” Meunier explains. “For Amber the whole goal was so she didn’t have to worry about the financial burden. She can focus on Kyle’s recovery and herself and keep things stable for Harrison.”
The GoFundMe goal is currently set at $20,000, having already achieved earlier goals of $10,000 and $15,000. Meunier says the response to the campaign is “incredible”, a sentiment shared by Davis.
“The amount of support has been absolutely overwhelming,” Davis states. She describes her brother as “an amazing, caring, wonderful person who would do anything for anyone, who is an absolutely amazing father to Harrison. He loves his family and friends with his whole heart. He would honestly give you the shirt off his back.”
Growing up in Dunnville, Kyle attended St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School and then Lakeshore Catholic High School. He played hockey and worked in the deli department at Sobeys. After high school he studied at Recording Arts Canada School to pursue his dream of playing guitar.
Kyle also taught guitar lessons and took singing lessons. He travelled to the east coast in 2012 with his Johnny Cash band. Davis recalls, “He had the time of his life.”
Kyle was in a model airplane club with his dad and has a large model car collection, the passion for which he shares with his nephews. He has three nephews and one niece and is a great-uncle to two.
“He has the best laugh, too,” Davis adds. On behalf of their family she says, “We can’t thank people enough for their prayers, donations, phone calls, visits, kind words, even complete strangers who have reached out. Social media is an amazing thing.”
As Kyle’s loved ones look ahead, Meunier says, “The doctors told us we’re just at the beginning. It takes months and months of recovery. We’re in this for the long haul. The assessments will continue and we will learn more … about where he’s at and what needs to be focused on for re-hab.”
Through it all, Amber will know there are many people to whom she can reach out. Meunier says, “Even Harrison’s school … Amber can’t believe how supportive his teachers have been already.”
Harrison just started kindergarten and his teachers are closely watching his progress. Amber can also check in and see what he’s doing using the school app.
Keeping things as normal as possible for Harrison is a priority for Amber, while she also focuses on Kyle’s recovery and prepares for the new baby. Everyone is grateful for the support being offered to Kyle, Amber, and Harrison.
“Our family is absolutely blown away that we have been able to raise this much so far,” Kira says. “Just knowing that all these people are rallying around her is giving Amber strength.”
For more info or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-for-kyle-amber.
